The Power of a Church’s Origin Story

If someone asked you about your church’s origin story, what would you say? How did your church come into being? Was it an answer to prayer, an educated guess, the result of a dynamic visionary, or the faithful work of a passionate few?

Our origin stories matter. From the very first pages of Genesis, scripture is filled with origin stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, reminding us who we are and whose we are. Especially in disorienting seasons, these stories call us back to our roots. They remind us who we were created to be.

In this newsletter, you’ll hear Rev. Brent Levy share the origin story of The Local Church, a newly chartered congregation in Pittsboro, NC, and you’ll hear from retired pastor Rev. Jerry Smith, who reflects on why he continues to give in support of churches like The Local Church.

Brent and I first worked together about a decade ago at Christ UMC, before The Local Church’s official origin story. Even then, I could see seeds of The Local Church being planted. I remember Brent telling me that I’d probably get tired of him asking “why?” It struck me that not only did Brent care about the “why?” but he also cared about “the why behind the why?” or the deeper purpose for why and how we did things as a church. It has been a gift to see this holy curiosity take root in The Local Church’s DNA as they are a church that knows their “why” deeply. They are a church that loves where they are– on purpose.

Rev. Jerry Smith and his wife Carolyn have been faithful members of the $10 club for decades. They may not know it, but through their giving, they have been a part of the why behind the why that made the origin of The Local Church possible. 

Friends, whether you know it or not, you, too, are a part of the why behind the why for countless churches across our conference. We hope you will dream with us about the churches that will write their origin stories in the decades to come because of your faithful stewardship.